Scheduling & Plan

Tubal Reversal: Types of Tubal Ligations

Dr. Morice specializes in tubal reversals. Patients who have had tubal ligations come to Dr. Morice to restore their fertility.

Tubal reversals by Dr. Morice have a pregnancy success rate of about 70%. However, each patient is different and therefore no blanket success rate can be applied.

There are various factors that can affect a woman’s chance at pregnancy after a tubal reversal.

One factor that affects the chance of a successful pregnancy after tubal reversal is the type of tubal ligation that was previously performed.

Below we describe the three most common types of tubal ligations and how they are reversed.

Hulkaor Filshie Clip

The Hulka or Filshie clips are small clips that are clipped onto the fallopian tubes at their mid-isthmic portion. The clips restrict blood supply to the tissue that is compressed. This causes scar tissue to form and block the tube.

This type of ligation has the highest pregnancy success rate after ligation because it causes the least amount of tubal damage.

The clips are placed on the mid-isthmic portion of the fallopian tube, which minimizes the risk of wrong placement. The mid-isthmic portion of the fallopian tube has a thicker muscular wall, allowing for a strong repair once healed. Additionally, once the damaged portion of tube is removed, the remaining segments of healthy tube are usually the same diameter. This type of ligation also affects a smaller portion of the tube than other ligations.

To perform a tubal reversal of a Hulka or Filshie clip ligation, Dr. Morice uses microsurgery to remove the clips and the damaged portion of the fallopian tube. He then reconnects the remaining portions.

Tubal Ring Ligation

Tubal rings (also known as a Falope rings, Yoon rings, or Lay loops) are small, silastic rubber bands that are placed around a tubal loop in the mid-isthmic region of the fallopian tube. The band restricts blood supply to the constricted portion of tube. Restricted blood flow causes scar tissue to form and block the tube.

Tubal reversals of ring ligations have a high pregnancy success rate. Though more tube is damaged than with tubal clips, the amount is still very low. The rings are placed on the mid-isthmic region. Thus, the remaining segments are the same diameter and the stronger muscular wall aids in a strong repair.

To reverse a tubal ring ligation, Dr. Morice uses microsurgery to remove the damaged portion of the fallopian tube. He then reconnects the remaining segments to form an open tube.

Pomeroy Ligation

A Pomeroy ligation is performed by creating a loop in the fallopian tube and tying it off, similar to a tubal ring ligation. However, thetied off section is then surgically removed. The remaining disconnected segments are closed with stitches. The stitches dissolve once the tubes have healed shut, leaving two sealed ends.

The pregnancy success rates of Pomeroy tubal ligation reversals are also high, but it can varydepending on how the ligation was performed. There are varying techniques that require different lengths of tube to be removed. The less amount of tube removed during the ligation, the better chance a woman has at pregnancy after a tubal reversal.

To reverse a Pomeroy ligation, Dr. Morice uses microsurgery to reconnect the remaining two segments of tube.

If you have any questions about tubal reversal, please contact us at (985)-702-BABY (2229) or email our nurses at drmorice@mybabydoc.com. We offer free consultations to patients interested in a tubal reversal.